KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Transport Authority is refuting claims by transport operators that the transport ministry initially announced free tracking devices for public passenger vehicles installing the system before changing its position.

According to the Transport Authority neither Portfolio Minister Robert Montague nor the Authority announced a free Electronic Fleet Management System (EFMS) (tracker) for public passenger vehicles (PPV).

Transport groups Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) and Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODDS) recently took the ministry to task for an announcement of the costs to install and maintain the tracking devices.

The operators argued that the minister announced in his 2018 budget presentation that the devices would be free to operators.

However, the operators contend that the ministry’s latest announcement requires them to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 for the installation of the device and a possible $1,500 monthly, although the system “is of no benefit to us as operators.”

The Authority in a response this afternoon said it had instead negotiated with the approved EFMS provider to offer a special installation cost averaging $15,000 for the PPV sector.

In this special package, PPV operators have the added benefit of discounts of up to 20 per cent off insurance premiums for units with the device installed. Additionally, these EFMS devices are said to equip owners in the sector with the tools to enhance the overall efficiency, safety and security of their transportation businesses, the Authority argued.